Following the Milwaukee bout UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta wrote on his personal Twitter account that the Briton would not be cut. Hardy then responded by revealing he will take time out to re-invent himself.

The decision not to cut Hardy, when very few fighters even survive after three losses, has been met with disapproval from Howard, who was recently released following defeats to Jake Ellenberger, Thiago Alves and Matt Brown.

"OK I am not hating but the UFC keeps Hardy but let's me go. WTF is that?" wrote Howard on his Facebook status.